HOPKINTON - Selectman Brian Herr, a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Sen. Edward Markey, has filed a complaint with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with Markey's involvement in an investigation into Herbalife business practices.

"Markey allegedly involved his office in a 'short sale' stock manipulation that could potentially lead to enormous profits for a large political contributor,'' Herr said in his letter to Mary Jo White, chairwoman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

"Specifically, Mr. Markey wrote a letter to the Federal Trade Commission requesting they launch a formal investigation into the business practices of Herbalife, a large nutritional supplement company that utilizes a multi-level sales, marketing and distribution channel strategy,'' Herr wrote.

"Mr. Markey did so at the request of William Ackman (a hedge fund executive, speculator, and large political contributor) in an effort to drive Herbalife's stock price lower so that Mr. Ackman's $1 billion investment could pay enormous returns. As further evidence of the possible collusion, Mr. Ackman retained Rasky Baerlein, a communications and lobbying firm with close ties to Mr. Markey,'' Herr wrote.

"There are just too many unanswered questions surrounding Senator Markey and his involvement in the manipulation of Herbalife's stock," Herr said in a statement.

Two weeks ago, Herr filed an ethics complaint with the Senate ethics committee stemming from the Democratic senator's involvement with the Herbalife probe.